Alysha Monique | Music Director
As seen on WGN Midday News
Bold, sensual vocalist, Alysha, mesmerizes audiences with the sultry vocal styling of jazz and soul music. Her endearing aura bewitches listeners into the essence of love, individuality and self-actualization. Surrounded by incredible musicians who strive to push their music to an innovative level, Alysha’s creativity and originality continue to ascend upward. An experience with Alysha is striking, genuine and poignant.
HG Soul
As seen on FOX and NBC
Standing for "Hot Grits" or "Home Grown" depending on who you ask, HG is a dynamic and soulful singer hailing from Chicago's south side. A staple of Chicago's music scene, he's been featured on several national television shows such as "Showtime at The Apollo" on FOX, and NBC's "Gimme Some More". A veteran performer for over 20 years, HG is considered one of Chicago's musical treasures.
Alfonzo Jones
As seen with the O'mys
Alfonzo's love for music started in church, watching and imitating every move and sound of the drummer at the age of 3. While in high school, he gathered a wide range of influences from Dennis Chambers, to Tony Williams, Jimmy Cobb, and more. Eventually, Alfonzo would go off to share the stage with legends like Wynton Marsalis, Wycleff Gordon, and more. In addition to Funktastic, he currently performs with national artist, The O' Mys, and Nikki Lynette.
LaShera Moore
As seen at every venue you've ever heard of
Growing up in church alongside her Mom, her sisters, and other relatives of her family; singing Gospel: LaShera loved to being versatile and wanted to be more broader in the style and genre of Music. At Columbia, she proved herself to be the goto singer for any style needed, from Country, Pop and Rock to Jazz, Gospel, Blues and R&B Soul, and quickly found herself performing with such greats as: New York Voices along with Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Mavis Staples, Brian Culbertson and other professional musicians.
D2G
As seen at every venue you've ever heard of
Chicago Hip-Hop Props Award-Winner Anthony Di’Angelo Ingram, Jr. or “D2G” as he’s called in the Hip-Hop scene, is a laborer in music all around. Growing up on the southeast side of Chicago, 2G would always relate any life situation to a song that would describe his emotion at the time. Inspired by artists like Rakim, KRS-One, and Slick Rick, he began writing at age 11 and would later transform his writings into songs. Graduating from Hyde Park Academy in 2005, he would find himself enrolled into Columbia College Chicago, where he became fascinated by the artistic environment. This atmosphere would later introduce 2G to various artists and producers.
Amber Ronae
As seen on WGN Midday News
A sultry singer born in Gary, Indiana, Amber is heavily influenced by R&B and Soul. At an early age, she attended Emerson Academy of Performing Arts to kick-start her musical journey. Eventually, she would earn her degree in vocal performance at Columbia College Chicago, gaining an extensive background studying music while working with international musicians. Amber studied aboard in Mannheim, Germany at the prestigious PopAkademie Music Conservatory. With 150 Funktastic shows under her belt, known for her memorable performances and lasting impressions. "I'm excited about the direction and for the band's endless future successes".
Meagan McNeal
As seen on The Voice
A powerhouse singer and songwriter versed in the genres of Soul, Jazz, and R&B. In 2017, Meagan appeared on the voice, whose radiating vocals landed her on the team of Jennifer Hudson. With fervent drive and dedication, she was a backing vocalist for world-famous artists like Eminem, Common, and The O'Jays. Her music effortlessly transcends boundaries and spreads messages of love and universal truth.
Larry Brown Jr.
Masters Degree in Music
Through the years, he has had the opportunity to learn from jazz legends such as Pat Martino, Houston Person, Jimmy Cobb, Victor Goines, John Scofield and Russell Malone. He has also performed at some of the country’s greatest jazz festivals and venues including the St. Louis Jazz Festival, the Clark Terry Jazz Festival, The JVC Jazz Festival New York, Lima Jazz Festival (South America) as well as Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Larry is heavily influenced by Prince, Michael Jackson, and received his masters in music from Northern Illinois University.
The Funktastic Horns
Bobby "Wonderful" Cooper, Len'i McKinney, and Royce Harrington
China Christine Stewart
As seen at every venue you've ever heard of
China “Christine ” Stewart is an indie vocalist, actress, model and writer based in Chicago. A prolific vocalist, China known as the voice creates music that touches upon; love, loss, over-coming, dreams and natural world related issues. China intertwines poignant subject matters into her songs. China first love is music, multi-passionate entrepreneur. China Stewart love for music began in the womb of her vocalist mother. China remembers humming with her mother during rehearsals and recording sessions so loud that they would often times have to remove her from studio sessions. By the time she was able to walk this award nominated singer knew that she was in love with music.
Deonte Baker
As seen on American Idol & Windy City Live
A Chicago native, Deonte has been singing since he was 7 years old! At the young age of 12, he was singing and traveling with national recording artist Kennew Lewis and One Voice. Most recently, Deonte appeared on national television singing for millions of American Idol fans! He sings with everything he has and wants to make the world a better place through the power of music!
Elisa Latrice
As seen on the hit FOX show "Empire", and "Good Day Chicago" on FOX32
Elisa Latrice's passion for music began at a younger age. Inspired by music greats Michael Jackson, James Brown, Tina Turner, and Diana Ross; her desire to pursue a career in music was ignited by opportunity and ambition! She appeared as a vocalist with Snoop Dog during a scene in the TV show, "Empire", FOX32 Chicago "Rising Star", and more. Elisa also is a Tina Turner impersonator, and her tribute shows have packed venues like City Winery.
Nycee Butler
As seen at every venue you've ever heard of
South Side Chicago native, Nycee Butler has been a professional contracted vocalist for fifteen years. She has performed with over fifty local artists of the best talent in Chicago and graced some of Chicagos' legendary stages such as the Regal Theater, City Winery, The Promontory, House of Blues, The Shrine Chicago, California Clipper, Untitled, The Bassment, and more. With her wide range of musical influences, from Gospel, Jazz, Alternative, Folk, and Soul music, Nycee is known for her eclectic taste and vocal ability when it comes to delivering quality sound.
Chicago Street Strings
Hannah Watson
CJ Parker
As seen on MTV Music News
CJ Parker is a singer, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist originally from Davenport, IA. He blends his upbringing of gospel with his schooling in jazz, funk, & soul. He has an exciting, entertaining, and fun spirit. CJ was featured in MTV Music News as a ‘Rising Star Due for Take Off’. His vocal timbre is comparable to John Legend, or Justin Timberlake.
Mike Zabin, Owner
I live to create meaningful, long-lasting relationships and truly unforgettable events with packed dance floors.
Originating from his original music band, Mike Zabrin's Funktastic, he performs every year on WGN Midday News, WGN's Nick Digilio Show, and with notable writeups in Bass Player Magazine, Jazz Corner, and hundreds of world-wide publications. His albums feature members of Kool & The Gang, Fishbone, and more.
A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Mike had his start playing the blues! Throughout college, he toured with Chicago Blues Hall of Famers playing at staple blues venues like Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy's Legends. During this time, and an advocate for music education, Mike was the GM of School of Rock.
Funktastic was a house band for years in Chicago's River North nightclubs, The Bassment and Untitled Supper Club, before becoming a full time wedding & private events band.
Having the best musicians Chicago has to offer under his wing, Mike took the wedding and corporate event industry by storm with his company, Funktastic Productions. A keeper of WeddingWire's Couples Choice Awards & The Knot Hall of Fame, Funktastic Productions is regarded as the mid-west's premier events band.
Welcome to the world of extraordinary Luxury Entertainment brought to you by our exceptional Chicago wedding orchestra!
Original Music by Funktastic
Did you know we started as an original band over 10 years ago? For your listening pleasure, here are two original albums that we wrote together over the years! Even though our focus is weddings and private events now, the insanely fun musical chemistry between us always stayed the same!